"I was..."
Getting caught daydreaming in class by a professor was embarrassing. Getting caught when you were the King of the North was even worse. Fortunately, Annan's age gave him an excuse. "Getting to know the students and professors."
His charm helped, too.
Annan spoke earnestly to the professor who had approached him. "I'm from the Northern Frontier. I'm a stranger here, so I need to know who my enemies and friends are. Who's good and who's bad."
Mrs. Vanessa looked sternly at the notes on his desk. They listed his classmates' names and personalities, including her own.
Mrs. Vanessa: a Vice Dean who seems strict but is patient and kind.
"I'm not the Vice Dean yet."
Mrs. Vanessa's expression softened. "Whatever brought you here, you must respect knowledge."
"Yes, Madam Vanessa."
Annan's obedient manner improved Madam Vanessa's mood. She returned to the lectern and continued teaching. Annan kept up his attentive pose until the class ended, then went back to scribbling when a more easygoing professor took over.
Having finished the outline for the first Annan Potter book, Saurz and the Magic Stone, Annan set it aside for now. He turned to a blank page and began writing down his next steps as he thought them through.
First and most importantly, he needed a fief. Annan was already working toward that, speaking with his classmates without seeming too eager or turning them away. Of the names Alice had mentioned, Melissa Syatt stood out. With her glittering jewelry and Magic Ring, she clearly came from a wealthy family. She seemed a little aloof and proud, but Annan could feel her sneaking glances at him.
Annan had only met Ruby Lace, the Brotherhood president from the neighboring classroom, once. Before Annan had even said anything, Ruby had eagerly invited him to